Cocktail Kilt attire

[Hamish Ramsay]

Greetings all.

I have one of my Nephew's weddings next week -Tuesday 22nd of Feb. - and it is listed as cocktail in the dress code. I have selected to wear our Ramsay Blue/ hunting kilt with blue hose with white shirt and very dark navy bow tie. My question relates to the jacket(Argyle only as haven't been in the game long enough to purchase any other), vest and plaid. It is summer here in Australia and while the forecast is mid twenties I am of the opinion that anything more than the Argyle jacket will be just too warm and uncomfortable. The Plaid comes in handy to keep the Lady warm later in the evening but I'm of the opinion it will be over dressed for "cocktail".

Any thoughts?

Cheers Hamish

[Father Bill]

This sort of decision depends so very much on the social interpretations in the location where you find yourself. Having said that, give the plaid to your best girl in advance, and for mid-20s, not sure that I'd wear a vest. The Argyle stands well on its own.

If you had it, I'd recommend a tweed rather than SBBB as it's often called here.

[Hamish Ramsay]

This sort of decision depends so very much on the social interpretations in the location where you find yourself. Having said that, give the plaid to your best girl in advance, and for mid-20s, not sure that I'd wear a vest. The Argyle stands well on its own.

If you had it, I'd recommend a tweed rather than SBBB as it's often called here.

Thanks Father Bill, not much is known around here with regards to Kilt wearing so likely to get away with anything really but for my own I like to be in the right kit. I'm in agreement on the vest and will just wear the Argyle and have the Plaid handy for the lady should it get nippy later in the eve.

[Rama4390]

Greetings all.

I have one of my Nephew's weddings next week -Tuesday 22nd of Feb. - and it is listed as cocktail in the dress code. I have selected to wear our Ramsay Blue/ hunting kilt with blue hose with white shirt and very dark navy bow tie. My question relates to the jacket(Argyle only as haven't been in the game long enough to purchase any other), vest and plaid. It is summer here in Australia and while the forecast is mid twenties I am of the opinion that anything more than the Argyle jacket will be just too warm and uncomfortable. The Plaid comes in handy to keep the Lady warm later in the evening but I'm of the opinion it will be over dressed for "cocktail".

Any thoughts?

Cheers Hamish

Hi Hamish,

I'm in QLD & like you there are few others in my area who would know any better whatever I wore with the kilt. I've worn similar outfits to what you describe to cocktail dress events. I don't have a fly plaid, so wouldn't wear one with that sort of outfit.

Regards,
Luke

[Jock Scot]

The trick in choosing appropriate kilt attire that was taught to us too many years ago to worry about and does work really well is to ask yourself;”what would I wear to a particular event if I was going to wear Saxon attire?” And then, convert that to the nearest equivalent in kilt attire. Personally though, I don’t think a plaid is appropriate for a cocktail do.

[Hamish Ramsay]

Personally though, I don’t think a plaid is appropriate for a cocktail do.[/QUOTE]

I'm with you on the plaid I think JockScot despite it being outdoors initially and more particularly as it starts late afternoon, 3:30pm. Thanks for the input.

[Hamish Ramsay]

Hi Hamish,

I'm in QLD & like you there are few others in my area who would know any better whatever I wore with the kilt. I've worn similar outfits to what you describe to cocktail dress events. I don't have a fly plaid, so wouldn't wear one with that sort of outfit.

Regards,
Luke

Thanks mate, looks like consensus is the plaid stays locked away. The Lady has a coat that will be fine should it cool down sufficiently.

[Lady Grey]

Sounds about right for an Aussie wedding
Leave the plaid in the car… that’s overkill until it cools down and for the lady only- although she may already have a wrap / jacket sorted for her outfit.
The jacket depends entirely on the weather, humidity and location
If it’s inside a church I’m old school and think a jacket should be worn.
Although I think a tie may be more appropriate overall.
If the ceremony & reception is outside or somewhere non - churchy leave the jacket off if it’s hot and/or humid.

Bloody Aussies and weddings. I recently went to a wedding that clearly stated ‘formal’ dress on the invite…. Well there were no runners worn but nothing that I would consider formal wear.
I did check with the bride and ended up wearing what I consider ‘cocktail’ dress I was still rather well dressed compared to the youngin’s idea of formal.

[Lady Grey]

Actually a nice Akubra or Barmah hat would also be perfectly appropriate with a kilt if it’s outside
Nice means not the hat worn fishing, working, riding

Ever noticed in summer we have good going out hats & work/leisure hats in Australia?

[OC Richard]

Being in the 20s I myself would forgo the jacket and wear longsleeved shirt, long tie, and waistcoat with my kilt.

And possibly bring the jacket as well, and wear when the temps allow.

Having never seen "cocktail attire" on an invitation, I looked it up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpatTlttPAo

and what's indicated, when translated into Highland Dress terms, is ordinary traditional Highland Day Dress:

tweed Day jacket
long tie
ordinary plain shirt
kilt
leather Day sporran
plain Day hose
ordinary brogues

Seems that anything formal, anything smacking of Evening Dress, would be out of place.

Also seemingly out of place would be overly outdoorsy/country things like a check country shirt and perhaps a check kilt jacket.